The topic of bucket lists was brought up the other day on a fitness forum and it got me thinking about all the fitness-related activities I would love to try before I join that giant health club in the sky.
Frankly, I like to think of myself as a good sport who would try anything at least once (except maybe spelunking or attending a nude yoga class), but if I had to narrow it down to a top 10 list, here are the activities that are a must-do for me:
10.) Riding a bike...again. I know this one seems silly, but I haven't been a bike for probably 18 years. My training wheels were off for 10 months or so when I stopped riding. No reason at all...I just stopped. I haven't been on a bike since and I fear I might not even know how to ride. Regardless, I will conquer this fear one day and get back on.
9.) Take a live barre class. Now that I have gained a newfound love for a form of fitness I once regrettably assumed was vacuous and ineffective, I want to take the next step in my redemption and try a class. From what I have heard, nothing beats a live class, which helps improve form and technique.
8.) Scuba Dive. After two failed attempts at snorkeling as a child (I wussed out twice in Florida), I eventually conquered my fear 13 years ago in Mexico. Now I want to take the next step and explore the deep blue sea even further. While the corral reefs were nice, I crave more adventure. Hopefully, if given the opportunity, it won't take 3 attempts this time around.
7.) Take a West African dance class...again. I tried this one a few years ago while I was an undergrad at the University of Illinois. I can honestly say there isn't a workout--let alone another type of dance class-- that can rival the intensity of West African dance. Not even Insanity or heavy lifting could give me the level of DOMS this did. If you ever see a West African dance class at your local fitness club or community recreational center, TAKE IT! Great music, lively atmosphere, and every--I mean EVERY--muscle in your body will feel it afterwards.
6.) Run a half-marathon. I think you know what awaits further down this list, but I need to take baby steps. Once I get this baby out of the way, I can set my sights on loftier ambitions.
5.) Sky dive/bungee jumping. Call me crazy, but these two have been on my agenda for quite some time. Not only do I lack a fear of heights, but I actually enjoy higher altitudes (you should see me in skyscraper). Not only does this appeal to my inner adrenaline junkie, but if I end up becoming another 5 o'clock news story, at least I went out with a bang, right?
4.) Complete the "300" workout challenge. I actually hated the movie "300", but man, did those Spartans looked buff! The "300" challenge consists of various exercises that equal 300 repetitions and must be completed within a certain time frame. While the workout itself was not necessarily used to train the actors, it was set as a gauntlet to challenge fitness buffs and those crazy enough to give a try. This is how it breaks down:
Frankly, I like to think of myself as a good sport who would try anything at least once (except maybe spelunking or attending a nude yoga class), but if I had to narrow it down to a top 10 list, here are the activities that are a must-do for me:
10.) Riding a bike...again. I know this one seems silly, but I haven't been a bike for probably 18 years. My training wheels were off for 10 months or so when I stopped riding. No reason at all...I just stopped. I haven't been on a bike since and I fear I might not even know how to ride. Regardless, I will conquer this fear one day and get back on.
9.) Take a live barre class. Now that I have gained a newfound love for a form of fitness I once regrettably assumed was vacuous and ineffective, I want to take the next step in my redemption and try a class. From what I have heard, nothing beats a live class, which helps improve form and technique.
8.) Scuba Dive. After two failed attempts at snorkeling as a child (I wussed out twice in Florida), I eventually conquered my fear 13 years ago in Mexico. Now I want to take the next step and explore the deep blue sea even further. While the corral reefs were nice, I crave more adventure. Hopefully, if given the opportunity, it won't take 3 attempts this time around.
7.) Take a West African dance class...again. I tried this one a few years ago while I was an undergrad at the University of Illinois. I can honestly say there isn't a workout--let alone another type of dance class-- that can rival the intensity of West African dance. Not even Insanity or heavy lifting could give me the level of DOMS this did. If you ever see a West African dance class at your local fitness club or community recreational center, TAKE IT! Great music, lively atmosphere, and every--I mean EVERY--muscle in your body will feel it afterwards.
6.) Run a half-marathon. I think you know what awaits further down this list, but I need to take baby steps. Once I get this baby out of the way, I can set my sights on loftier ambitions.
5.) Sky dive/bungee jumping. Call me crazy, but these two have been on my agenda for quite some time. Not only do I lack a fear of heights, but I actually enjoy higher altitudes (you should see me in skyscraper). Not only does this appeal to my inner adrenaline junkie, but if I end up becoming another 5 o'clock news story, at least I went out with a bang, right?
4.) Complete the "300" workout challenge. I actually hated the movie "300", but man, did those Spartans looked buff! The "300" challenge consists of various exercises that equal 300 repetitions and must be completed within a certain time frame. While the workout itself was not necessarily used to train the actors, it was set as a gauntlet to challenge fitness buffs and those crazy enough to give a try. This is how it breaks down:
- Pullups - 25 reps
- Deadlifts with 135 lbs - 50 reps
- Pushups - 50 reps
- 24-inch box jumps - 50 reps
- Floor wipers - 50 reps
- Single-arm Clean-and-Press with 36 lbs Kettlebell - 50 reps
- Pullups - 25 reps
Mind you, this workout is set-up for a man in very good physical shape, so I'd likely have to make some weight adjustments. I don't think I could complete the workout in the record time of 18:11 accomplished by actor Andrew Pleavin, but I'll be content with just finishing it.
3.) Attend a live yoga class. Even with all the Groupon deals and offers for free yoga class trials, I have been too chicken to show up to a yoga class. Maybe I'm afraid of looking foolish or that yogis and yoginis alike will stick their noses in the air at my presence, but I really need to conquer my fears with this one. I might have to go sky diving first to help shake off my jitters.
2.) Surfing. Let's face it, I will be probably spend more time in the water than on the surf board, but life is too short to be negative. If the opportunity arose, I'd take it in a heartbeat. Now if only I had a certain Norse god teach me...
1.) Run a full marathon. The Boston Marathon might be the zenith of all marathons, but I'd be content just finishing any marathon for that matter. While I still have to complete a half marathon, I'm already dreaming of a day where my broken-down body collapses on that 26th mile marker (or 42.195 km, to be exact). My plantar fasciitis and blister-prone feet and aching shins are already rejoicing at the thought. What can I say, when I aim high, I aim for the moon.
Dream big, my fellow fitness junkies!
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